Quick answers
- Where is Heron's Key?
- 4340 Borgen Blvd NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332, in Pierce County, Washington.
- What is the phone number of Heron's Key?
- (253) 313-0800, as listed by Medicare (CMS).
- What is the Medicare star rating of Heron's Key?
- Medicare overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars (CMS data updated 2026-10-01).
- Has Heron's Key been fined?
- Medicare lists no fines for Heron's Key.
- What did inspectors find at Heron's Key?
- In its last three inspection cycles (January 8, 2024 to February 13, 2026), Medicare lists 18 health citations; the most serious was level F. See the list below (CMS data updated 2026-10-01).
Medicare ratings, explained
Star ratings are one piece of information. Visit, ask questions and talk with your doctor about what matters for your care.
Inspections, fines and staffing
In its last three inspection cycles (January 8, 2024 to February 13, 2026), Heron's Key had 18 health citations; the most serious was level F (no actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm). Medicare lists no fines or payment denials for it in the last three years. Nurse staffing is 5.73 hours per resident per day; the Washington average is 4.42 and the national average is 3.90.
Source: Medicare (CMS) Provider Data Catalog, data updated October 1, 2026, retrieved November 13, 2026.
Inspection history: last three cycles
State inspectors visit about once a year and also investigate complaints. Each citation (deficiency) has a tag number and a letter, A to L. The letter shows how serious the problem was and how many residents it affected.
What the letters A to L mean
| Seriousness | Isolated (a few residents) | Pattern (some) | Widespread (many) |
|---|---|---|---|
| No actual harm, potential for minimal harm | A | B | C |
| No actual harm, potential for more than minimal harm | D | E | F |
| Actual harm to residents | G | H | I |
| Immediate jeopardy to resident health or safety | J | K | L |
Source: the scope and severity grid Medicare (CMS) uses for nursing home citations.
Most recent cycle: February 13, 2026 — 3 health citations
Inspections in this cycle: February 13, 2026 (standard health inspection).
Show 3 citations (levels A to F, no actual harm)
F0641 Level D
“Ensure each resident receives an accurate assessment.”
F0684 Level D
“Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.”
F0790 Level D
“Provide routine and 24-hour emergency dental care for each resident.”
Previous cycle: November 15, 2024 — 12 health citations
Inspections in this cycle: November 15, 2024 (standard health inspection).
Show 12 citations (levels A to F, no actual harm)
F0572 Level F
“Give residents a notice of rights, rules, services and charges.”
F0812 Level F
“Procure food from sources approved or considered satisfactory and store, prepare, distribute and serve food in accordance with professional standards.”
F0623 Level E
“Provide timely notification to the resident, and if applicable to the resident representative and ombudsman, before transfer or discharge, including appeal rights.”
F0625 Level E
“Notify the resident or the resident’s representative in writing how long the nursing home will hold the resident’s bed in cases of transfer to a hospital or therapeutic leave.”
F0559 Level D
“Honor the resident's right to share a room with spouse or roommate of choice and receive written notice before a change is made.”
F0578 Level D
“Honor the resident's right to request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment, to participate in or refuse to participate in experimental research, and to formulate an advance directive.”
F0656 Level D
“Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.”
F0684 Level D
“Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.”
F0689 Level D
“Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.”
F0757 Level D
“Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.”
F0921 Level D
“Make sure that the nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean and comfortable for residents, staff and the public.”
F0732 Level C
“Post nurse staffing information every day.”
Earlier cycle: January 8, 2024 — 3 health citations
Inspections in this cycle: January 8, 2024 (standard health inspection).
Show 3 citations (levels A to F, no actual harm)
F0804 Level E
“Ensure food and drink is palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature.”
F0757 Level D
“Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.”
F0761 Level D
“Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.”
Citation descriptions are Medicare’s official wording. “From a complaint” means the citation came from a complaint investigation instead of the regular yearly inspection.
Full inspection reports on Medicare Care Compare →
Fire safety citations (18)
E0015 Level F
“Address subsistence needs for staff and patients.”
E0018 Level F
“Establish procedures for tracking staff and patients during an emergency.”
E0031 Level F
“Provide emergency officials' contact information.”
E0039 Level F
“Conduct testing and exercise requirements.”
K0353 Level F
“Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.”
K0918 Level F
“Have generator or other power source capable of supplying service within 10 seconds.”
K0781 Level E
“Have restrictions on the use of portable space heaters.”
K0293 Level F
“Have properly located and lighted "Exit" signs.”
K0345 Level F
“Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.”
K0921 Level F
“Ensure that testing and maintenance of electrical equipment is performed.”
K0920 Level D
“Ensure proper usage of power strips and extension cords.”
E0004 Level F
“Develop and maintain an Emergency Preparedness Program (EP).”
K0321 Level F
“Ensure that special areas are constructed so that walls can resist fire for one hour or have an approved fire extinguishing system.”
K0324 Level F
“Provide properly protected cooking facilities.”
K0345 Level F
“Have approved installation, maintenance and testing program for fire alarm systems.”
K0353 Level F
“Inspect, test, and maintain automatic sprinkler systems.”
K0374 Level F
“Install smoke barrier doors that can resist smoke for at least 20 minutes.”
K0521 Level F
“Ensure heating and ventilation systems that have been properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.”
Staffing
Hours of nursing care per resident per day, from the payroll records nursing homes send to Medicare, next to the state and national averages.
| Measure | This home | Washington | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse (RN) hours per resident per day | 1.76 | 0.99 | 0.69 |
| Licensed practical nurse (LPN) hours per resident per day | 0.75 | 0.74 | 0.86 |
| Nurse aide hours per resident per day | 3.22 | 2.68 | 2.35 |
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day | 5.73 | 4.42 | 3.90 |
| Total nurse staff hours per resident per day on the weekend | 4.95 | 3.82 | 3.43 |
| RN hours per resident per day on the weekend | 1.62 | 0.71 | 0.48 |
| Nursing staff turnover (per year) | 37.0% | 43.9% | 45.3% |
| RN turnover (per year) | 62.5% | 43.8% | 42.5% |
| Administrators who left in the last year | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
Source: Medicare (CMS) Provider Information and State US Averages, data updated October 1, 2026.
Owners and operator
Legal business name: Herons Key.
Owners and managers Medicare lists (2)
| Name | Role | Share | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herons Key | Direct owner | 100% | January 10, 2013 |
| Emerald Communities | Management company (operational or managerial control) | NOT APPLICABLE | August 1, 2015 |
Source: Medicare (CMS) Ownership file, data updated October 1, 2026. Only owners with an ownership interest and management companies are shown.
Compare with other nursing homes
Key facts
| Type | Nursing home |
|---|---|
| Certified beds | 30 |
| Average residents per day | 19.1 |
| Takes part in | Medicare |
| Ownership | Non-profit – corporation |
| Legal business name | Herons Key |
| First approved by Medicare/Medicaid | 2018-01-31 |
| Part of a continuing care retirement community | Yes |
| Resident and family councils | Resident and family councils |
| Sprinklers in all required areas | Yes |
| Changed ownership in the last 12 months | No |
| Address | 4340 Borgen Blvd NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332 |
| County | Pierce County |
| State | Washington |
| Phone | (253) 313‑0800 |
| CMS Certification Number | 505531 |
| Name in Medicare records | HERON'S KEY |
| Corrections | Report an error or suggest an update → |
What to ask when you call or visit
A general checklist for any nursing home, not advice about this one. Medicare also publishes guides on medicare.gov.
- Is the home certified by Medicare and/or Medicaid, and does it have a bed for the care you need (short-term rehab or long-term care)?
- Can you see the latest state inspection report? Ask how any problems found were fixed.
- How many nurses and aides work on each shift, at night and on weekends? Is there a registered nurse on site at all times?
- Which doctors see residents, and how often? What happens in a medical emergency, and which hospital is used?
- What therapy (physical, occupational, speech) is offered, and how many days a week?
- Are residents clean, dressed and taking part in activities? Do staff speak to them kindly and answer call lights quickly?
- What do the daily rate and extra services cost, and what do Medicare, Medicaid or your insurance pay? Ask for it in writing.
- Is there a resident council and a family council? How are complaints handled? Ask for the long-term care ombudsman’s contact.
- Are meals appetizing, and can the home meet special diets, language needs and religious or cultural preferences?
- Visit more than once, including at a mealtime or in the evening, without an appointment.
Other nursing homes nearby
By straight-line distance (not driving distance).
- Gig Harbor Health and Rehabilitation4.2 mi · Gig Harbor, WA · 1 of 5 stars
- Cottesmore of Life Care5.4 mi · Gig Harbor, WA · 5 of 5 stars
- Eliseo7.5 mi · Tacoma, WA · 3 of 5 stars
- Avamere Transitional Care of Puget Sound7.9 mi · Tacoma, WA · 5 of 5 stars
- Park Rose Care Center9.3 mi · Tacoma, WA · 3 of 5 stars
Nearest hospital emergency rooms
- St Anthony Hospital1.2 mi · Gig Harbor, WA · Acute Care Hospital
- Tacoma General Allenmore Hospital9.4 mi · Tacoma, WA · Acute Care Hospital
- Mary Bridge Children's Hospital9.4 mi · Tacoma, WA · Children's Hospital
Sources
- Provider Information — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Medicare Care Compare — official Medicare profile of this provider
- Health Deficiencies — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Fire Safety Deficiencies — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Penalties — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Ownership — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- State US Averages — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Survey Summary — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Citation Code Look-up — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13
- Inspection Dates — CMS, data updated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-11-13